.au Direct domains (example.au) became available in March 2022.
An initial 6 month priority window allowed owners of existing AU domains (example.com.au / example.net.au) the chance to secure the corresponding .au Direct domain (example.au). This window closed on 20th September 2022.
If multiple Category 1* owners submitted a Priority Application during the priority window, the new .au Direct domain is considered as 'Contested'.
With a Contested .au Direct domain;
Priority Application Tool
auDA has provided a tool which confirms which parties hold an active Priority Application for a 'Contested' domain. The tool can be found here
Renewing a Priority Application
If your Priority Application is registered with us, it will be listed in your online account.
We will issue a renewal invoice and reminders for your Priority Application, in the 2 months leading up to 20th September.
To ensure your Priority Application is renewed, we need to receive payment of the renewal invoice, before the due date.
Withdrawing a Priority Application
Applicants that choose to withdraw their .au Direct Priority Application can either;
Allocation of Priority Applications
When 1 applicant remains (all other parties have 'withdrawn' their application), the .au Direct domain is allocated / registered for 1 year.
The annual result of renewed / withdrawn Priority Applications are due to be confirmed in the last week of October each year.
*Category 1 Owner: Held an existing AU domain, which was created on or before February 4, 2018 at 23:59:59 UTC